Jobs
WORKING WITH US
The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.
We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.
As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.
To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.
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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We are looking to appoint a new SEND Consultant to our central team of subject specialists. We want to hear from experienced teachers who have gained experience in a middle leadership role, and who have a track record of raising achievement within a department. The successful applicant will join an established team of specialists, working to further raise standards and further drive improvement across the Harris Federation. The role of SEND Consultant is an exciting post providing enormous scope for a talented and creative practitioner to work collaboratively across a group of academies.
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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The role will be multi-faceted and involve coaching and mentoring, sharing of best practice, developing robust improvement strategies, assisting Harris academies in recruitment and selection, helping to establish new departments or lead rapid recovery where required. Our central team consultants work strategically with Principals, senior leadership teams and support academy departments to improve standards and the outcomes for our students.
As a senior leader, you will have the opportunity to develop and advance your career within a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders. You will have unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQSL and NPQH programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. The Federation operates twin Teaching Schools as well as a number of highly successful CPD Networks, and the post holder would have the opportunity to play a key role in this work.
We are looking for an experienced teacher with a deep passion for SEND. Our consultant roles are suitable for those with management experience (ideally but not necessarily at Head of Department level or alternatively be an aspirant Leading Practitioner). The post would suit an ambitious middle leader looking either to broaden their expertise and responsibilities, or who may be considering a future leadership pathway to their first headship. Although based at the Harris Federation offices close to East Croydon Station (with fast access to central London and the M25), the role will mostly be located within the academies.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The post work suit an ambitious middle leaders with at least three years' SEND teaching experience and two years in a management role such as SENDCo or Co-SENDCo. A thorough understanding of the needs of students with SEND and Quality First Teaching is essential.
We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful applicant will be resilient, creative and a dynamic practitioner, and must hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant degree. You will be fully supported through a comprehensive Induction Programme both within and across the Harris Federation.
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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Kassy O'Keefe via email: [email protected].
Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.
When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.
A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.
OUR VISION & VALUES
Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.
We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Teachers' Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Overview:
The Talent Set is excited to be working with one of our favourite international development charity clients as they search for a Strategic Communications Consultant to support them for an exciting 3-month contract to help shape and deliver high-impact messaging that drives change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a strategic communications plan aligned with their mission and advocacy goals.
- Craft compelling narratives and key messages to support fundraising, partnerships, and programme visibility.
- Lead the creation of content across digital, media, and stakeholder engagement channels.
- Provide crisis communications support and media training to internal teams.
- Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies for maximum impact.
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across regions.
Person specification:
- Proven experience in strategic communications, ideally within the international development, NGO, or non-profit sector.
- Excellent writing and storytelling ability, with a track record of creating compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms.
- Strong strategic thinking skills – able to link communications objectives to broader organisational goals.
- Ability to work independently and proactively, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including media, donors, and community partners.
- Experience in crisis or reputational communications and the ability to respond calmly and strategically under pressure.
- Collaborative and adaptable, comfortable working across time zones and within virtual teams.
What’s on offer
- A day rate of £350 a day umbrella.
- A flexible hybrid working pattern is on offer with 1 day per-week in the organisation’s London-based office.
- An initial 3-month contract in a fantastic organisation.
Interested?
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role.
Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set and our partner charity are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process
Disrepair Surveyor – Social Housing Association (South West, UK)
We are seeking an experienced Disrepair Surveyor to join our dedicated team at a leading social housing association in the South West. In this critical role, you will assess and manage disrepair cases, ensuring our tenants’ homes are maintained to the highest standards of safety and quality.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough property inspections to identify and diagnose disrepair issues, including damp, mould, structural defects, and other housing-related concerns.
- Prepare detailed technical reports, including photographic evidence, cost estimates, and recommendations for remedial works.
- Collaborate with contractors, maintenance teams, and legal departments to ensure timely and effective resolution of disrepair claims.
- Liaise with tenants, providing clear communication and support throughout the disrepair process, ensuring a positive resident experience.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and other regulatory standards.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, correspondence, and case progress using internal systems.
- Support the association in mitigating legal risks by providing expert advice and evidence for disrepair claims.
Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience as a surveyor, ideally within social housing or property management, with a focus on disrepair or maintenance.
- Strong technical knowledge of building pathology, construction, and housing standards.
- Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex disrepair issues.
- Familiarity with relevant UK housing legislation and health and safety regulations.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with tenants, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Relevant qualifications, such as a degree or diploma in surveying, building construction, or a related field (e.g., RICS, CIOB, or equivalent).
- Proficiency in report writing and the use of IT systems for case management.
- A proactive, empathetic approach with a commitment to delivering high-quality services to tenants.
Chief Executive Officer
Charity (social justice)
London/hybrid 2-3 days in office pw
Full-time role, open to flexible working and job-share
£97,000 to £104,000 per annum
Our client is the leading organisation for young women on low or no pay. Our purpose is to create an equal world of work and raise young women’s incomes.
We work with and for young women aged 18–30 across England and Wales, campaigning for a fairer financial future while providing practical support to help them thrive. Together, we champion workplace equality, amplifying young women’s voices and creating change through services, research, campaigning and influencing.
The Role
We are seeking a bold, inspiring, values-led Chief Executive Officer to take the charity into its next chapter, building on our strong foundations to grow the organisation’s impact and influence. You will work closely with the Board and senior leadership team to deliver our current strategic plan and shape the next phase of organisational growth.
As CEO, you will be a powerful ambassador for the charity, ensuring that the voices of young women are heard at the highest levels. You will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, balancing high-quality service delivery with campaigning, policy influence and financial sustainability. You will strengthen partnerships with funders, policymakers, partners and the media, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture within the organisation.
We are already a high-impact organisation, with a strong strategy in place, a collaborative Board, a talented and committed staff team and a large network of over 10,000 young women supporting our mission, alongside many allies. Thanks to our endowment and growing fundraising track record, we are also in a financially stable position.
The Person
We are looking for a visionary and strategic leader who thrives on building strong relationships and collaboration. To be successful in this role you will need:
- A proven track record of leadership at senior level in the charity or social purpose sector, ideally as a CEO.
- A proven ability to develop and deliver ambitious organisational strategies and achieve transformational impact.
- An ability to balance high-quality service delivery with campaigning and policy influence.
- Credibility, presence and gravitas to represent the organisation externally and enhance its profile and influence.
- A deep commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of young women.
- Experience building high-value partnerships with funders, policymakers and stakeholders at all levels.
- A collaborative and facilitative leaderships style, able to inspire, support and positively challenge staff to achieve excellence.
- Expertise in financial and operational management, including income generation and sustainability planning.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and ambitious organisation delivering meaningful and lasting change. If you share our vision of a fairer future where every young woman can thrive at work and you are ready to drive impact at the highest level, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
We are working with Prospectus as our recruitment partners. To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment timetable
Application deadline 26th October
Prospectus interviews 10th – 14th November
Senior Leadership Team engagement session and meeting with young women 1st December
First stage panel interviews 4th December
Final stage panel interviews 9th December
Chief Executive (CEO) Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham
Hands on, youth first leader with sharp business acumen
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), free gym access, and access to OnSide's award winning L&D, with bespoke training and mentoring
Contract: Permanent, full time (37.5 hours, or those necessary to fulfil the role)
Location: Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 20th October 2025
Are you a bold, inclusive leader ready to shape the future for young people in one of London's most dynamic boroughs?
About Future Youth Zone:
Future Youth Zone is a high energy, state of the art youth centre in Barking & Dagenham, open seven days a week and part of the national OnSide Youth Zones network. Since opening in 2019, they have supported thousands of young people with 20+ activities every session and trusted, consistent relationships with skilled youth workers.
The opportunity:
As Chief Executive, you will lead a values driven organisation with a revenue budget of over £1.5m, champion youth voice, and deepen impact across the borough. You'll work shoulder to shoulder with young people, staff, volunteers, partners and the Board to deliver outstanding experiences and outcomes.
What you'll bring:
* Hands on youth expertise: Visible presence in the Youth Zone and across the borough; deep understanding of youth development and safeguarding; experience of frontline delivery or leading services for children and young people; commitment to inclusion, with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
* Business acumen: Proven financial leadership and operational grip, including oversight of £1.5m+ budgets; track record of diversifying income across corporate, philanthropic and statutory sources; data informed decision making and the confidence to set priorities as appropriate.
* Relationship building: An outstanding connector who builds trust with young people, colleagues, Trustees, funders, the Local Authority, schools, employers and community partners, while leveraging the OnSide network.
* Clear communication: A compelling communicator who can inspire in the Youth Zone, articulate a powerful case for support, and represent Future credibly with media and stakeholders.
* Proactive & decisive: A doer who spots issues early, acts at pace, makes tough calls when needed, and creates the conditions for a high performance, learning culture.
What you'll be leading:
* A passionate, skilled team delivering exceptional, inclusive services for young people
* A robust, diversified funding model and strong reputation among funders and the community
* Strategic partnerships across Barking & Dagenham and the wider OnSide network
How to Apply
Send your CV/profile to Senior Appointments at Charity People to request the full candidate information pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
We are now seeking a proactive and purposeful leader, as our new Deputy Director, UK Funding,
This role is responsible for setting the vision and overseeing delivery for our UK-wide grant making portfolio which offers larger funding to organisations looking to scale impact and shift systems, benefitting communities across the UK. The postholder will have accountability for over £110 million in grant funding annually, and play a central role in ensuring public money is used responsibly, strategically, and with transformative impact.
This is a crucial leadership appointment – you will be part of the Funding Strategy, Innovation and UK directorate leadership team contributing to how we design, and deliver bold, community-led solutions to meet the challenges of our time, aligned with our equity-focused funding ambitions.
We are looking for an engaging candidates who can provide clear leadership to this vital brief months. You will be responsible for representing the Fund and to continue to develop excellent relationships with senior level external stakeholders as well as actively engaging with and building constructive relationships with senior level colleagues across the Senior Management Team and all Directorates.
Candidates will bring senior grant making experience, a strategic mindset, and a people-first leadership style to drive excellence in deliver, and embed equity and sustainability across all we do. Wherever you are, you will provide a clear vision, bring a systematic approach to delivery, and have the capability to build personal credibility quickly. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, show credibility at Board level, and demonstrate strategic judgement. Importantly, you will bring a collaborative approach in working with our talented and committed teams.
Occasional UK-wide travel is required in the role.
Interview Date: Interviews will be held online on 15th October 2025.
Location: UK-wide - We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.
If you would like to find out more about the role, there will be an online information session on Wednesday 01 October 10.30-11.15. Please contact us to book a space or to ask any questions about the recruitment process.
On application, please upload your CV and align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential criteria
- Significant experience of specific funding knowledge across a broad range of funding products and from identification of need, development of offer through to awards and learning.
- Demonstrable experience of relationship-management both internally and externally.
- influencing and negotiating skills to develop and enhance relationships with senior stakeholders across sectors, and work with non-executive Boards and Committees.
- Proven people leadership with an ability to communicate purpose and direction, enabling and developing teams.
- Operational delivery experience - maintaining highest quality and consistent standards across teams, budget, financial controls, and external partnerships.
- Experience of embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into all aspects of work.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of identifying and building significant, multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Experience of working in a UK-wide context
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Director
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Finance, People and Operations to lead central functions and help shape future success.
Salary: £67,000–£76,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid / London
Hours: Part time 0.8/ 32 hours per week or Part-time, 0.6 FTE / 24 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 25th October 2025
About the Role
As a member of the Executive Team, you will provide financial, operational and people-focused leadership while ensuring robust governance and sustainable growth.
You will oversee finance, HR, operations and IT through a small but committed team, ensuring systems, processes and culture enable delivery of the organisation’s mission.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic advice on finance, operations and people matters
- Leading financial planning, budgeting and risk management
- Managing and supporting the Finance Manager and Head of HR, Operations and IT
- Ensuring efficient financial systems and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
- Supporting recruitment, development and retention to sustain a collaborative and values-driven culture
- Overseeing operational systems and governance, including Board and committee reporting
This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, agile organisation where you will combine strategic insight with practical delivery.
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant experience in both strategic and operational finance, ideally in non-profit or mission-driven organisations.
You will bring:
- Strong financial expertise, including hands-on management and planning
- Experience of operations, governance and risk management
- A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to manage small teams effectively
- A practical mindset, able to improve systems and processes in resource-conscious settings
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice
You will thrive if you are motivated by making systems work better, enjoy working across multiple functions, and want to contribute to lasting positive change.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Finance Director, Director of Resources, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Finance and Operations, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Finance and Resources, Finance and Operations Director, Director of Finance and Administration, Director of Operations and Finance, Director of Business Services, Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), Executive Director of Finance and Resources, Director of Finance and Governance, Head of Finance and Resources
About the Role
The Director of Grants and Operations is a senior role within the Jack Petchey Foundation with responsibility for leading our operations, partnerships and grant-making. You will ensure that our operations are agile, efficient, effective, forward-looking and robust. In addition, you will have strategic responsibility for ensuring our grants and partnerships teams deploy over £10m pa to benefit young people and strengthen the youth sector across London and Essex.
As a member of the Executive Team, you will play a crucial role in delivering our ambitious strategy, expanding our impact and investing more through JPF’s proven grants and partnerships. You will work to ensure that JPF programmes benefit more young people, particularly in areas and groups with the greatest need.
We are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of building and improving highly effective operations functions within complex organisations. You will bring strategic vision and operational excellence, ensuring that our systems and processes are robust, inclusive and future-focused. With significant experience in digital transformation, financial oversight and people leadership, you will know how to create the infrastructure that enables impact at scale. At the same time, you will be motivated by our mission, committed to youth empowerment, comfortable leading high volume grant programmes, developing programmes to fill identified gaps, and skilled at translating strategy into practical action.
Main Areas of Responsibility:
You will provide strategic leadership to our operations, partnerships and grant-making, ensuring that JPF
achieves maximum positive social impact through our programmes, funding and operational delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Lead the strategic development and implementation of operational infrastructure, including HR, IT, digital
systems and facilities.
Lead and oversee digital transformation and the efficient and effective use of CRM systems to support
effective decision-making and operational delivery.
Ensure robust, efficient and inclusive systems, policies, and procedures that drive organisational
effectiveness and resilience.
Ensure systems are user-friendly and future proof.
Financial Leadership
Provide executive-level oversight of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, analysis and reporting.
Ensure compliance with statutory, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure strong financial controls and risk management systems.
Grant Making and Partnerships
Lead strategic oversight of JPF’s small grants programmes (>£5m pa to over 1500 schools and youth
organisations) as well as our 16 partnership programmes (>£4m pa) and paid youth sector internship
programme.
Identify and develop innovative partnership models that align with the Foundation’s mission, vision,
values and theory of change.
Lead the management and implementation of JPF’s c£2m new legacy grants programme.
Ensure grant-making processes are efficient, from application to evaluation.
Build and maintain strong relationships with delivery partners, funders and with the sector.
People and Culture
Lead, manage, and support staff across the Grants, Partnerships and Operations functions, fostering a
high-performing, inclusive and collaborative team culture.
Foster staff wellbeing and bring excellent judgement and good humour to your work.
Champion continuous improvement, learning and data-driven decision-making.
Work to embed youth-centred approaches, safeguarding, equity and inclusion across the organisation.
Organisational Leadership
Actively contribute to strategic planning and organisational leadership as a member of the Executive
Team.
Represent the Foundation at events and engagements and act as an ambassador.
Undertake other duties in line with the role as organisational needs evolve.
The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up to inspire and motivate young people and recognise them for their achievements.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Topos Research UK and Topos Institute
Topos Research UK is an entrepreneurial, dynamic charity start-up in the UK (inc. 2024) with a parent charity start-up, Topos Institute in the US (inc. 2019). We are a non-profit research institute dedicated to realising a world where the systems that surround us benefit us all, so that society can better cooperate on critical issues — the climate crisis, pandemic responses, agricultural modelling, global access to education, and more — through interconnected systems that consider holistic impacts. We develop new tools for collective inquiry and modelling, enabled by a combination of novel foundational mathematics, open-source software engineering, and meaningful collaboration with domain specialists.
The Opportunity
We seek a strategic Operations Director to lead the successful scaling of our rapidly growing UK operation. This is a pivotal, creative leadership role reporting directly to our Board of Trustees, with day-to-day collaboration with board representative Brendan Fong (Topos UK Trustee and Topos USA CEO).
Current State:
- 1-year-old entity with £500k annual revenue
- 6 talented staff (research scientists, software engineers, postdocs)
- 3 planned new staff members within the next 6 months
- Two major grants: £600k (1-year) and £1.2M (2.25-year)
- Projected FY26 revenue: £1M
The Challenge: You’ll be our first senior operations hire, responsible for establishing the systems and culture that will enable Topos UK (and Topos as a whole) to thrive as we scale from startup to established institution, collaborating between the UK and US offices, and pioneering a new style of technology-oriented research organisation keenly focussed on improving lives.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Finance Leadership
- Lead operations and finance for a projected £1M+ annual budget from research grants
- Support grant solicitation, budgeting, procurement, monitoring, and reporting
- Collaborate with financial consultants on organizational strategies, budgets, treasury, and tax affairs
- Coordinate with US-based Topos Institute on governance, consolidated reporting, and shared contracts
Strategic Planning & Culture Building
- Partner with the Board of Trustees and Topos Institute USA to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with our institutional mission
- Champion the critical role of operations and administration in achieving our research mission
- Establish and nurture an organizational culture that:
- Integrates diverse perspectives and lived experiences
- Views uncertainty as opportunity for innovation
- Balances operational efficiency with academic freedom
- Embodies public purpose, intellectual rigor, and collaboration
Team Leadership & Development
- Nurture and mentor our growing team of 6+ researchers and engineers
- Support individual career aspirations while building collective capacity
- Work with HR consultants to develop talent management systems and support organizational human resources needs
- Foster an environment where exceptional people can do their best work
Systems & Infrastructure
- Design and implement policies, internal controls, and procedures for sustainable growth
- Oversee operational functions including inventory management and facilities
- Oversee compliance, risk management, and organizational governance
- Manage physical space requirements, including future lease negotiations
- Coordinate legal affairs with Board of Trustees, sourcing expertise as needed
Stakeholder Management
- Serve as operational interface with funders, partners, and collaborators
- Represent Topos UK’s capabilities and needs to external stakeholders
- Support business development for future grant and contract opportunities
- Assume additional responsibilities as organizational needs evolve
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
- 5+ years in senior operations/finance roles at mission-driven organizations
- Proven ability to build systems and culture from the ground up
- Experience with research institutions, nonprofits, or technology startups
- Track record managing complex budgets and grant funding
- Track record of successfully impacting both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives
Leadership Qualities
- Collaborative, supportive management style with focus on team development
- Skilled at building consensus in a complex organisation and able to achieve results through influence and partnership
- Ability to foster inclusive environments where diverse perspectives thrive
- Experience mediating differences and supporting individual team member success
- Ability to communicate clearly and collaboratively, both internally and externally
- Creative problem-solving approach with strong analytical skills
Cultural Fit
- Intellectually curious with appreciation for technical research
- Mission-first orientation with commitment to public benefit
- Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change; sees challenges as opportunities for growth
- Committed to building inclusive, supportive team environments
- Values-driven leader who can balance efficiency with academic freedom
- Motivated by meaningful work that contributes to helping solve global-scale challenges
- Values continuous learning, diverse perspectives, and collaborative problem-solving
- Ability to periodically travel to the head office in Berkeley, California, or other locations as needed
- Flexibility with working hours, to accommodate for collaboration across global time zones
- Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in relevant field (business, nonprofit management, etc.)
- Experience with international organizations or multi-entity coordination
- Familiarity with academic research environments
- Technical literacy sufficient to engage with mathematical/computational work
Why Topos UK
Exceptional Team: Collaborate with world-leading researchers and high calibre funding agencies.
Inclusive Environment: Be part of building a diverse team where different perspectives are valued and everyone can contribute their best work.
Meaningful Impact: Your operational excellence directly enables breakthrough research on humanity’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to public health to collaborative open science.
Technical Innovation: Support the development of genuinely novel technologies that could transform how humanity approaches complex, collaborative decision-making.
Supportive Culture: Join a caring, inquiry-driven community that values both intellectual rigor and personal well-being, with a strong focus on in-person office culture but flexibility to support work-life balance.
Growth Opportunity: Shape the foundational systems of an organization poised for significant expansion and impact.
Apply
Topos Research UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. There is evidence to suggest that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. No matter who you are, if this role speaks to you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you tick all the boxes. We’d especially like to encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
If you require any adjustments to the application process, such as accessibility accommodations, additional preparation time, or other, please let us know in your application. We’re happy to support your needs and adjust the application process.
Next Steps: This role offers the rare opportunity to be the operational backbone behind important research that contributes to how humanity tackles global challenges. If you’re energized by building meaningful institutions and enabling exceptional people to do transformative work, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect the process to include initial screening, work assessments, team interviews, and references.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified accountant to join a large charity on a temporary basis, supporting the Finance team with the production of statutory accounts and the Annual Report. This role will involve working closely with senior finance colleagues and auditors to ensure a smooth and accurate year-end process.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Finance Manager and Assistant Director of Finance to prepare statutory accounts from draft to final signed accounts
- Review draft accounts, including cash flow statements, control account reconciliations, and supporting working papers
- Prepare accounting adjustments as requested by auditors
- Assist the Finance Team with financial data cleansing in line with data retention policies
- Undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the finance function
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA)
- 3–5 years post-qualification experience in senior financial roles, preferably in the charity or public sector
- Proven experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes for large organisations
- Strong knowledge of FRS102 and Charity SORP
- Excellent ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other standard office tools
- Professional, collaborative, and methodical approach, with a commitment to continuous development
Job Title: Year-End Accountant
Location: Central London
Day Rate: £250 - £300 (paid via an Umbrella company)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: 3 months initial contract
Working Pattern: Hybrid
This vacancy is being actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
About Khulisa
Khulisa (meaning “to nurture” in Zulu) is an award-winning national charity. We work with young people aged 11–25 whose lives have been affected by trauma or adversity. Trauma can profoundly impact a young person’s development — limiting their self-confidence, resilience, and ability to thrive.
For more than 18 years, Khulisa has provided evidence-based programmes that build social and emotional skills, helping young people to overcome barriers and reach their potential. We also train professionals, parents and carers to create trauma-informed environments, ensuring that all young people are cared for by adults who understand and respond to their needs.
The Role
We are seeking an inspiring Chief Executive Officer to lead Khulisa into its next chapter. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, financial and operational oversight, and the vision to grow our impact — building on strong foundations and trusted partnerships.
We are looking for an individual with:
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Proven business development skills and the ability to diversify income.
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Significant experience in stakeholder engagement — including funders, statutory bodies and partners.
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A strong track record of leadership, with a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.
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The confidence to act as Khulisa’s primary spokesperson and ambassador, championing our trauma-informed, person-centred approach at every level.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with deep, long-standing relationships and a growing national profile. The CEO will play a central role in shaping the future of Khulisa, ensuring we continue to nurture young people and the communities around them.
How to Apply
To apply, please read the last page of the Job Pack. If you have questions before applying you can send these to the email address listed in the Job Pack. Someone will then be in contact with you and arrange a time to speak.
First-round interviews will start in the first week of November.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief Executive — Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Are you ready to lead a values-driven regional charity and social enterprise that helps people to live the lives they choose?
Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.
As our next Chief Executive, you will:
- Strategic leadership: Set and deliver a clear, values-led strategy that secures long-term impact and sustainable growth.
- Values leadership: Put Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them.
- Growth & income diversification: Lead business development, win new contracts, and develop social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
- Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen senior-level relationships with NHS, local authorities and commissioners; represent Help & Care across systems, media and networks.
- Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so our outcomes drive commissioning, improve margins and strengthen our reputation.
- People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce.
- Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery plans, and ensure robust risk and compliance frameworks.
Who you are:
- An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health & social care or community organisations.
- Proven track record in winning commissioned contracts, tendering and contract management.
- Skilled at building strategic partnerships and influencing at senior system level.
- Comfortable leading transformation and financial sustainability work, with demonstrable budgeting and forecasting skills.
- A values-led, collaborative leader with high emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to social justice and co-production.
Why Help & Care?
- Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
- Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
- Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.
If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills via the apply button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 20th October 2025
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
BookTrust – Head of Fundraising
Location: Based in either Farringdon, London or Leeds offices. Hybrid working, with at least eight in person meeting days per month. S[SG1] ome UK travel to meet with prospects, donors and colleagues.
Salary: £75,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time.
BookTrust, the charity that champions the power of reading, is seeking a Head of Fundraising in a new senior role to oversee the strategic development and management of their voluntary income, to help them deliver their goals to shape a national reading culture.
BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, reaching over 1.3 million children and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland each year and delivering evidence-informed programmes that make a measurable difference to children’s reading behaviours. Their work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to enjoy reading and all the lifelong benefits it brings. In recent years, the charity’s work has focused on helping children from low-income and vulnerable family backgrounds to become regular readers.
The Head of Fundraising will be responsible for stewarding an existing portfolio of major statutory and voluntary funders, and managing BookTrust’s high value and individual giving portfolio. This includes trusts and foundations, statutory funders and corporate partners from the publishing sector and beyond, from Waterstones to Build-A-Bear. The post-holder will build on significant fundraising growth over the last three years, and will work to further grow and diversify fundraising income to meet the goals of the charity’s recently launched 2025-2030 strategic plan.
The successful candidate will be engaging, experienced and have a proven record across high value fundraising (with a preference for major donor/philanthropy, trusts and corporate partnerships), as well as having a good knowledge of Individual Giving.
They will have experience of operating at a senior leader level with a charity, with responsibility for liaising with, and reporting to, the SLT and the Board, and will be able to show demonstrable success in achieving personal and team income targets. Commercially and politically astute, candidates will also be emotionally intelligent and natural collaborators, willing to work with others on bringing income generation ideas to life in an organisation with a diverse funding model including mixed models of trading and philanthropy.
This is an exciting opportunity to help secure the financial support needed to get even more children reading and fulfilling their potential in life, with strong backing from BookTrust’s leadership and a commitment to supporting the team to growth, thrive and achieve success together.
This role would be ideal for a senior leader who has managed a significant income stream or small multi-disciplinary team who is looking for a broader challenge and a chance to make real impact.
Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.
Closing date: Monday 13th October, 9.00 am.
About the Role
Social Development Direct is looking for a Finance Director to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our global social impact consultancy. SDDirect is a values-driven, dynamic international development consultancy with a 25-year track record of delivering high-quality, innovative research and advisory services worldwide. As a social enterprise subsidiary of Plan International UK, we combine commercial agility with a deep commitment to social change.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead financial and commercial management, act as Company Secretary, and advise on project finance, pricing, and risk.
- Collaborate across teams, using financial information and data to contribute to strategic growth, sustainability, and innovation.
- Manage a small, dedicated finance team and work closely with our MD and Board.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a medium-sized, fast-paced organisation, brings proven senior-level financial skills, and understands the dynamics of commercial consultancy. Flexible and part-time working arrangements are available (min. 80% FTE).
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and wish to particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented at this level.
Please click below for a full description of the role's responsibilities, duties, and person specification.
UK for UNHCR – Director of Individual Giving
Contract: Initial two-year fixed-term contract.
Location: Hybrid working, with one to two team days per week in London, EC2A.
Working hours: 35 hrs/week.
Salary: £76,000-£84,000 per annum.
UK for UNHCR, the UK partner of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), is seeking an Individual Giving leader to shape the future of Individual Giving at the organisation and unlock long-term, sustainable income growth.
UNHCR stands alongside people forced to flee their homes, advocating for their rights and raising funds to support their protection, dignity and futures. UNHCR’s work has never been more important – by the end of 2024, a record 122.6 million people were displaced, with children accounting for 40% of all forcibly displaced people
UK for UNHCR (UK4U) builds solidarity and raises funds in the UK for refugees worldwide - last year UK4U raised a total income of £25.5 million and continues to build on strong foundations since its beginnings in 2019.
The charity is now seeking a Director of Individual Giving in a new and exciting opportunity to explore how UK4U can expand on these foundations, with a focus on increasing the sustainability of the donor base and maximising lifetime value, as well as identifying opportunities for transformational income growth.
The role will be responsible for leading a team of 12 people and strategic leadership for all fundraising from the UK public, including mid-value and legacy supporters, and covering both digital and offline channels. The post-holder will utilise market insight, data intelligence and an innovative approach to design a high-performing long-term Individual Giving strategy that puts UK4U’s supporters and refugee communities at the heart of everything they do.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience of leading successful, large-scale multi-million-pound Individual Giving programmes and proven leadership experience at a senior, strategic level. You will have a strong track record of fostering innovation in Individual Giving, alongside the experience shaping strategy and making significant investment decisions.
You will also have a deep understanding of the UK Individual Giving fundraising market across all channels and of programmes that focus on value, high average gift rates and mid-value programmes. Finally, you will be an inclusive and empowering leader with a strong commitment to the refugee cause. Experience of fundraising for international humanitarian and development causes would be an advantage, as well as understanding of mid-value programmes.
UK4U strongly values diversity and recognises that it is critical to the success of the organisation and the cause that they serve. They are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with them and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person. The charity is also open to flexibility in many ways, including the possibility of reduced hours, flexible start and finish times, or compressed hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to AAW and UK4U about this, so that we can explore what’s possible.
Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.
Closing date: Monday 20th October, 9.00 am.
We stand with refugees – will you join us?

